​She’s hunted by the government. They’re banished for brawling. Can three hearts in exile beat as one?
 
Ice Era, Year 45. Teagan wishes she still had the strength to break free of her chains. After her little sister disappears and her gang of outlaws betrays her, she endures superpower-draining torture before her date of execution. But when a twist of fate transports her from her jail cell to the care of twin outcasts, she’ll stop at nothing to escape their safe haven. Even if it means breaking her own heart.
 
Duke and Baron never learned to put aside their differences… or their fists. Banished to fight out the rest of their lives in a remote outpost, the twins’ world is turned upside-down when a feisty young woman with a price on her head arrives at their doorstep. For the first time, the brothers finally agree on something: they’ll do anything to win her love. Even if it means they have to share.
 
Will the trio ever find their happy ending or will old rivalries and deadly enemies deal their love a fatal blow?
 
Two for Tea is the third Off-the-Rails companion book to the Ice Era Chronicles dystopian romance series. If you like dark apocalyptic settings, gripping action, and complex romantic relationships, then you’ll love C. M. Moore's thrilling novel.

This is an "off-the-rails" story which means this novel veers off the main story line to connect with minor characters Duke and Baron, who we saw in 2:05 a.m. and Raiden Out the Storm. 

Here's the low down I give everyone (if you don't already know):

If you look at C.M.Moore's books in chronological order, They look like this so far as of 2019:

• 1:05 A.M.
• Griding My Gears
• 2:05 A.M.
• Raiden Out the Storm
• Two for Tea

That's five books and some look like they don't belong in the Ice Era Chronicles if you go by book covers. But here's the thing...

If the thought of menage, same sex relationships and other out of the normal types of love stories like that spook you─stay with the numbers:
1:05 A.M.
2:05 A.M.
3:05 A.M.
4:05 A.M.
5:05 A.M.
etc. You get the point.

Going with the main books means you won't miss a lot from a plot point of view. New characters will be introduced and you'll be able to pick up right along with the rest of the crowd.

But if you are interested in following all the characters and believe love is love no matter the sex, or if you're into menage of all types, or think relationships are what they are, or if these things don't bother you, then read both the numbers and the "Off-the-Rails" Ice Era Chronicles. Basically, you would read them all in order of book number.

1:05 A.M. (book 1)
Grinding My Gears (book 1.5)
2:05 A.M. (book 2)
Raiden out the Storm (book 2.15)
Two for Tea (book 2.5)

If this still doesn't make sense, send Connor & Monica an email. They can explain!

These were simple characters dealing with complex matters. Baron and Duke are both typical males dealing with a screwed up situation. There are few women like Tea and found her to be a pinnacle of patience with these two numskulls. Yet, I can't blame those dorks for being dork men. 

Here are some reviews I found really fitting:

★★★★ Full of great one-liners and LOL moments...
Two for Tea is another entertaining installment in this series by C.M. Moore.

I went into this story assuming I didn't like Teagan because of the character impression I had of her in the previous book, (bad girl, member of The Originals) however, she's had to endure some horrible things at the hands of the HSPC and her character growth in this release was perfect. And then there's Baron and Duke...seriously, could these twins be any hotter? They are witty without trying too hard and they are the epitome of siblings! The three of them together, priceless...there are so many laugh-out-loud moments.

If you're not reading this series, you are missing out on some seriously entertaining reading. Hurry and catch up, there's so much more to come and you won't be disappointed.


★★★★ What happens when the ONE for you...is actually TWO
I originally received an ARC of this book but I liked it so much I immediately had to buy it.

I've read most of the other stories in this world C.M. Moore has created and I think they're fantastic. Fantasy, post-apocalyptic, romance, sometimes action and death, it covers a lot of genres.

Tea has been beaten down by the world they live in. Duke and Baron have had their own hard knocks but at least they have each other. And when Tea shows up, literally on their doorstep, they all have someone new to hold onto. It just takes a little time for them to realize it.

I can't wait for what comes next.


★★★★ A perfect match of messed up characters
The controversial interpersonal interactions kept my head in this book until the early hours of the morning. This story simply couldn't happen to anyone else. Each characters flaws, and backstories weave the story and their lives together. The inner turmoil they overcome connects the human condition to this futuristic world. The balance of good and drama in their lives keeps the story moving without the action-pact pace in the other Ice Era Chronicles. It was great to catch all the cameos from characters in his other works. I really appreciate the un-Disney like ending, so much more fitting to the series.


★★★★ New to me author
This is the first story I have read by this author but it won't be the last. The story has an interesting take on the dystopian world that I found very enjoyable. I loved the complexity of the characters and the relationship between Tea, Duke, and Baron.


★★★★ Another great book in the series.
As with the other books in C. M. Moore's series, Ice Era Chronicle's, this one does not let you down. It's a speed read for sure.


★★★★ A love story with a twist.
I really liked Two for Tea. This Author does a great job exploring different types of relationships. They keep you on your toes until the very end wondering what will happen to Tea. It’s a love story with a twist and that’s what keeps it interesting and makes you not want to put it down.

​Excerpt of Two for Tea An (Off-the-Rails) Ice Era Chronicle
© C.M.Moore 2018

​Tea thought death would be more… comfortable.

The throbbing ache in her ass brought her to consciousness. Was this Hell? She’d left a woman on the tracks to die. Plus, she’d failed her sister, and her grandma called her the spawn of Satan. She could totally be in Hell. Hell was supposed to be fire and brimstone. Goosebumps rose on her skin. Her guess, not eternal damnation. Her grandma would be disappointed. The old bat was probably waiting for her in the seventh ring.

Tea pried her eyes open. Flickering lights flashed above her. She wasn’t dead. Take that, God. Her vision blurred, and she blinked over and over. Her eyeballs felt like the inside of a sandbox. Grimy blurred holes came into view. She was in an animal cage with patterned holes the size of a pencil drilled into the top. Light winked through the tiny voids. The cage shuddered. She was moving. Pressing her body close to the side, she peeked out one of the small gaps. Damn it, if only the holes were a little bigger. Finally, the world came into view.

A water base hallway zipped past her line of sight. The rumble of wheels on cement clattered against unforgiving stone.

Paintings hung from the walls. Birds, trees, rivers all in warm greens and cool blues. Whatever water base this was, it didn’t matter. The only important item here was, could she escape? The idea of bolting flickered in Tea’s brain. She leaned away from the side of the crate.

Adorned only in white underwear and a matching stretchy cotton top equivalent of a lightweight bra, how far could she go? She would freeze to death before she reached a door. Escape was a big if. Her hands were free, but she still didn’t have her strength. No matter. Tea was still a dumb animal. Fitting she was in a cage.

Rubbing the scar on her neck, Tea considered Mother’s commands. They never helped. Besides, she was on her own. She would do whatever it took to not return to her captivity within the H.S.P.C. If that meant fighting, fine. If it meant running, fine. Whichever. Just because no one ordered her around didn’t mean she was a complete dummy.

Tea scowled at her surroundings. Bring it on. Tea was a survivor. For the first time, she had no one else calling the shots. She could do this. She had to do this.

The cart stopped, and the inertia settled. A knock echoed in the quiet hall. Tea held her breath and wished for a way to be free. Wishing never got her anywhere. Praying wasn’t worth her time. As a child, she’d learned never to want what she couldn’t have.

“Yes?”

“Delivery.”

“Is it bedframes?”

The next words were muffled. Tea heard other mumbles and then the cart began to roll. Once more, she pressed her body against the plastic side.

Her eyes focused on the shambles of a water base apartment. The half-destroyed rectangular room was painted in tan and green. Broken and splintered bookshelves overflowed with a mix of books, wires, and tools. Batteries and strange gadgets littered the torn carpet around the fractured shelves. A hole was punched in the wall.

The box jarred, and she rolled on her back. Tea adjusted herself to line up with a new hole. This gap was cleaner than the last spot.

After her eyes went back to the ruined couch in front of the wrecked bookcase, she tipped her head as she swiped at a cobweb tickling her cheek. Near the exit, a man with brown skin much like hers leaned on the cracked door frame. He held a clipboard and a file. His dark eyes appeared uninterested as he ran his fingers through the short black curls sticking up on his head. A blue unlit glass pipe dangled from his lips.

“I need you to sign.” The man with the black hair waved the clipboard. The pipe made a clack against his teeth.

“What is it?” a deep voice rumbled.

Tea heard the other voice, but she couldn’t see who spoke. Movement caught her eye. Beyond the couch and the bookshelf was a cracked marble counter that opened into an L-shaped kitchen. She angled again. The mystery speaker finally came into view.

The man who came around the counter was a tall blond with massive hulking muscles. His shirt clung to his body like an overzealous girlfriend. When Tea saw him, her heart sank to her stomach. The blond strolled with flowing grace that didn’t seem to fit his beefy form. As he came toward the messenger, he tugged on the bottom of his torn gray shirt over his pale-peach skin. His vibrant light blue eyes flipped from her container to the nametag clipped to the courier’s shirt. Tea noted the word “Essie” was poorly handwritten.

“Here’s the file. There’s the package. Sign.”

“I want to read that before I make a decision.” The huge sexy blond reached for the paperwork. Golden locks fell in his eyes. He pushed the strands back into place with the back of his hand. Even with gifted strength, Tea wasn’t sure she could scrap with a guy that big. Weak as she was, her brain didn’t offer her a lot of alternatives for a daring escape.

“Name?” The messenger looked down at his clipboard.

“Duke.” The blond flipped a red ball in his hand. Tea realized he played with a yo-yo. Harvesters had those. The toy dropped through his fingers and popped back up on its string. The blond tossed the plaything down two more times while he waited.

“I’ve the name Duke Baron.” The messenger handed Duke the file. “Sign here.”

“I’m Duke. Baron’s my younger brother.”

“Younger by one minute. That doesn’t count, bro.” A second man entered the room. He chewed on a brown hunk of meat as he strolled. Tea had a sense of déjà vu. The man walked with the same casual grace. Every one of his muscles rippled under his crumpled gray shirt. He had the same hair and eyes. Twins. Absolutely identical. Tea blinked a couple of times just to be sure. Yes, even the same sexiness hung around this new addition to the room. Tea might want to run away, but hot was hot.

“It counts,” the older twin said. “Probably.”

“Says who?” The other twin came to a halt next to his brother and then punched him in the arm. The strike was the type of hit that would’ve brought down a smaller man. Ouch. These two would crush her. Her heart pounded.

“Says me.” They bickered then punched each other again. Knock it off. They would have bruises tomorrow.

Side by side, Tea could now see a few differences. Baron’s hair was a darker yellow. His locks had deep gold streaks. Duke’s eyes danced with more of an ocean blue. Other than these small variances, they appeared to be the same in every way, right down to the fact that they both wore gray shirts and khaki pants.

“I’m Baron.” Baron frowned at the man in the doorway. “What’s in the old box?”

Tea sized them up. Looking for weaknessess, she considered what she could use as a weapon. Luna’s words played in her head: forgiveness, love, peace. What was Tea supposed to do? She was on her own, but damn it, she didn’t have a clue.

“Where’s Joe?” Duke said more to the name tag. His huge hands flipped through the papers in the file, but he didn’t appear to be reading.

“Yeah, where’s Joe?” Baron stared at the clipboard over the messenger’s shoulder. “Wait, I did order this.”

“No me gustan favores,” the runner muttered and the pipe in his mouth clacked again. “I don’t know where Joe is.” He sighed. “Can you sign? I have to go.” He handed the clipboard to Baron and then lit his pipe. A curl of smoke floated in the air.

Tea bit her lip and cringed. She prayed that they weren’t talking about Snow-Everyone-Joe. What was the chance that they referred to the same agent who had captured her?

“We’re not signing.” Duke glared at Baron and then at Essie. “We like to deal with Joe.”

“I’ll sign.” Baron waved the clipboard back and forth through the growing smoke cloud. “I ordered this.” The messenger handed him a ballpoint.

​C.M. Moore was raised with a combination of military and Catholic values. He didn’t do a lot of writing as a kid. He did, however, master the art of sarcastic guilt trips.

After grumbling and whining his way through the “hardest” part of his life (high school), he joined the Army. The grumbling and whining stopped immediately. Uncle Sam was not accepting of those antics, and instead, the military nurtured his core values and solidified the sarcastic traits. He also had to write reports, which were not allowed to be sarcastic.

Connor served his country on three separate tours. His first tour was like a six-month spring break in England. Easy duties requiring minor brain synopsis; his kind of work. His following tour to Iraq tested his metal, and proved to his wife, who had previously served overseas, that he could survive it too. His third and final tour to Afghanistan rocked his world. In Afghanistan, Connor was tasked to a Route Clearance Platoon, where he cleared routes of roadside bombs. The job was pure boredom interjected with moments of sheer terror. Connor is attributed with five finds, and nine strikes to his vehicle over a one year period. He finished his tour and came home with several new medals upon his chest. A Purple Heart being one of them.

Connor has several injuries which limit his mobility and his career options. He has a Traumatic Brain Injury and other physical issues. He now volunteers with veteran organizations and helps with a small bookstore his wife and he built. After Connor had returned to civilian life, he took a few writing courses which inspired him to put pen to paper. He’s not sure why that metaphor is still in use when everything is done on the computer. Connor believes it should be, give your fingers hours of cramped exhaustion.

Years of watching his wife devour romances caused him to want to write a book she would want to read. With the support of family and friends, Connor began writing his first book with his wife, Monica. There were many, many copies that ended up under his bed until now.

The final draft of his romance 1:05 a.m. follows an assassin trying to get out of the game, and a base security officer who is looking for the same peace of mind. This book is a sexy love story in a world covered in ice and snow. His home in Minnesota gives him plenty of inspiration.

When Connor can step away from his finger exercise on the keyboard. He is a stay at home husband and father. He helps his two daughters with their homework (yet he distinctly remembers graduating from homework) and aids his wife with their bookstore. He also enjoys hunting and fishing near his home in central Minnesota, and his hobbies are building projects and growing a white trashy beard.

If you wish to contact him, he loves to talk to his fans. Send him a message at [email protected].

After spending all her life trying to be normal, Nova has given up.

She knows she isn’t like everyone else and after her break-up, she decides to dive into her work.

Even though she’s settled in her private world and has no wish to change, she finds herself sucked into a trip that takes her away from her safe and secluded world.

Arrow has been trapped in a cage for, well, he can’t recall, but he is ready to be free. As fear that the crumbling water base around him is going to crush him before he can escape, an angel appears. She is what he’s been searching for and his soul knows her. The only problem is, she doesn’t know who he is and is begrudging when it comes to helping him.

As these two broken people meet and start a friendship, a train ride will change them forever. Before long they will uncover the dark past that hunts Arrow and the even darker future that awaits them both.

Life for Arrow is about to become real, but for someone as crazy as Nova, this one man turns out to be the balance she’s always needed.

If you look at C.M.Moore's books in chronological order, They look like this so far as of 2019:

• 1:05 A.M.
• Griding My Gears
• 2:05 A.M.
• Raiden Out the Storm
  
• Two for Tea

That's five books and some look like they don't belong in the Ice Era Chronicles if you go by book covers. But here's the thing.

If the thought of menage, same sex relationships and other out of the normal types of love stories like that spook you─stay with the numbers:
1:05 A.M.
2:05 A.M.
3:05 A.M.
4:05 A.M.
5:05 A.M.
etc. 
You won't miss a lot from a plot point of view. New characters will be introduced and you'll be able to pick up right along with the rest of the crowd.

But if you are interested in and believe love is love no matter the sex, or if you're into menage of all types, or think relationships are what they are, then read both the numbers and the "Off-the-Rails" Ice Era Chronicles. Basically, you would read them all in order of book number.

1:05 A.M. (book 1)
Grinding My Gears (book 1.5)
2:05 A.M. (book 2)
Raiden out the Storm (book 2.15)
Two for Tea (book 2.5)

If this still doesn't make sense, send Connor & Monica an email. They can explain!

I thought everyone elses review was better! So, I've compiled a few...

★★★★★ Nova & Arrow Heal Each Other
This is another wonderful story revolving around the world being frozen & the surf of earth being inhabitable in The Ice Chronicles. The characters are learning how to survive in the underground water bases while trying to solve the deadly disease that threatens to wipeout all of mankind. This is a must read series for all dystopia readers & will keep you hooked from book to book.


★★★★★ Original and entertaining...
These characters are delightful, Nova is convinced she's crazy, but I think she's just passionate and maybe a little volatile at times, I say give her a pass, she was raised by Gears and Luna. Enough said!

Arrow is an enigma, there's definitely more there than meets the eye and we get to experience the wonder of his gift, as if through the eyes of a child, since he has no memories. His story slowly unravels throughout the book, as he and Nova travel together and fall in love. There are some delightfully surprising twists as truths are revealed.


★★★★★ 2:05 a.m. (An Ice Era Chronicle)
I can’t believe that I love Dystopian books or is it just this author. Not sure but, I am open to reading more of this genre starting with 2:05 a.m. the 3rd book in An Ice Era Chronicle series. It gets a little confusing here because Grinding My Gears was the second book (An Off-the Rails Ice Era Chronicle 1:30 a.m.) And, Grinding My Gears is where we first hear of Nova. She was a baby then.

Now in 2:05 a.m. she is grown and sometimes called Crazy Nova. This is Nova and Arrow’s story. There is a good story line here with action and romance. Even though, they can be read as standalone’s I would highly recommend reading them and reading them in order.

1:05 a.m. (An Ice Era Chronicle #1)
Grinding My Gears (An Off-the Rails Ice Era Chronicle 1:30 a.m.)
And 2:05 a.m. (An Ice Era Chronicle #2)

I love this series and this book. I look forward to reading more from this author!


★★★★★ Awesome read. I love Connor’s writing style
It is so original and different from anything else I have read. I have enjoyed each of the Ice Era Chronicles more than the last and Nova and Arrow’s story is no exception. Great story, awesome characters and a totally unexpected plot full of twists and turns kept me hooked from the first page to the last. Definitely a must one-click.


★★★★★ Different and interesting
I do love fantasy and romance, so this was right up my alley. It was very unique and I just cannot find the words to really describe it. It had more romance and steamy scenes than I expected, but that was fine for me because I like that. There was lots of great dialogue, Nova was very funny but serious at the same time. I loved both of the main characters personality and their interaction. I also liked the unusual futuristic setting caused by the oil wars and the ice pushing people to live underground. It was not a fast pace action style but had some action to it. I was kept engaged in the story and could feel the pull to keep reading to find out what was going to happen. The plot had a gentle flow and I was surprised with the ending, which was great. This is a standalone story, but you will get more out of it by reading the previous books to understand the setting and other characters better.


★★★★★ great, unique series!
With this entire series, you are guaranteed a book that strays from the norm. There is nothing normal about the characters in this book either. Not even remotely. In fact, it's one of the reasons I like the series so much. You get a unique type of post-apocalyptic read where most of the population lives underground and railways still exist. Nova is Gears and Luna's adopted daughter. She has blood red eyes and crazy mood swings to match it. She goes on a little trip to help get her brother back, but encounters a locked up stranger named Arrow. Their attraction is quite intense and rather unsatisfying for quite some time. There's always something or someone in the way. Arrow's talent is quite unique. It's not every day you meet someone who can see heart strings. Another interesting character is Joe, Mac and Karma's son. Of course they all get in plenty of trouble. I would like to see more of Joe. He seems like an interesting character. I would strongly suggest reading the entire series so you know who is who. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and the whole series so far.

Teaser for 2:05 a.m. (An Ice Era Chronicle) Book 2
Copyright © C.M.Moore

Place: Old United States, Dallas TX, H.S.P.C. Headquarters
Time: 2:05 a.m. Ice Year 36
 
Everyone is a little crazy, some more than others. Unfortunately, Nova fell into the “more than others” category. This was spotlighted by her current conversation with her ex. She summoned her best glare.

Nova repeated her peace mantra in her head so she didn’t scream. Ah crap-sticks, she should’ve never told her ex-boyfriend that she would think about getting back with him. She had used the word think, that being the important word. How long was she going to stand in her apartment doorway and listen to his begging?

“I changed my mind. I do that. A lot.” Nova cut off Troy’s nonsense when he took a breath. She leaned her shoulder on the doorway of the apartment she shared with her sister-in-law Clare. Her eyes flashed up to Troy’s face hoping she conveyed her seriousness. Since her irises were blood red, usually a dirty look was enough of a deterrent for men. Troy, however, wasn’t budging and she knew why. He wanted a Davis. That’s all she was. She wasn’t Nova. She was just a nobody with the right last name.

“But two days ago, you said you’d take me back.” The agent whined.

“I said think.” That’s it. Time to go. She needed to get to her bedroom before she hit him. She got a kink in her neck looking up at him and she tipped her head to the side to work out the ache. In moments like this, being the size of an elf annoyed the crap out of her.

“I thought you were forgiving. Is this because of Sky?” Troy flashed his pretty charming smile. The one that made her want to slap him. He was a tall lanky H.S.P.C. agent and regular women thought him handsome and oh-so-fucking fascinating. Normal women thought Nova was out of her mind for insisting the break up stay permanent. She realized all that, but the knowledge didn’t sway her decision. She’d marry a sketchy rough-and-tumble harvester before she would date him again.

“I told you I love Sky and that he’s sick. That’s a separate issue.” Irritation bubbled up in her stomach. She recognized that she was close to freaking out. There were items in her apartment she didn’t want to break. Her father was out of super-glue and her mother made her promise to work on self-awareness. She had to get away from Troy and into her room before she erupted.

“But—”

“No.” Nova closed the door in Troy’s face and sagged against the wood. “There is no way to peace. Peace is the way.” She murmured her manta to the empty living room as she forced her turbulent feelings to settle. Her stomach rolled and her head started to pound. As she rubbed her forehead, her eyes popped up the grandfather clock next to the couch. It was 2:05 a.m.? Damn, what was she even doing up? Sleep would help her reset. Time for bed. A coma sounded good right about now.

Nova crossed the thick carpet and had reached the door to her bedroom when she heard the entrance to the apartment open. She spun around. If that was Troy, she was going to throw a chair at him and he would deserve it. Over and over again, her dad stated it wasn’t okay to toss furniture at people, but she was almost positive Gears would pardon her this time. She would tell Luna she was completely self-aware the whole time.

Her sister-in-law Clare tip-toed into the room toward the healing booth where Sky was quarantined. Clare apparently hadn’t seen her roommate yet. Nova crossed her arms over her chest and waited for the other women to notice her presence. Rarely was Nova overlooked. Her eyes didn’t let that happen.

“You scared me!” Clare exclaimed when she finally spotted her. Her sister-in-law spun on her heels then took a dainty step back. She didn’t out right jump, but at eight months pregnant hopping around was out of the question. “What are you doing up at this hour?” Clare tossed some of her thick blonde hair back from where the curls cascaded over her shoulder.

“Troy came by. He kept pounding on the door until I opened up. He was calling me Nutty-Nova like an endearment.”

“You’re not getting back with him, are you?” Clare’s pink lips puckered like she’d eaten a tart fruit.

“No. I got up to punch him, except at the last-minute sanity returned. I closed the door in his face.”

“Thank goodness.” She sighed as her shoulders dropped. “You’re very forgiving Nova, one of your good traits but he doesn’t deserve it.” Clare paused. “That’s your only good trait, being that you’re all—” Clare waved her hand up and down. Nova understood the reference to her perpetual rioting mental state. Her emotions could ascend then descend at the drop of a hat. It was a side effect of her gift, but knowing that didn’t make it better.

“I know.” Couldn’t argue there.

“And, I guess you’re kind sometimes,” Clare looked thoughtful as if this was the first time she was considering who Nova was. She should’ve left the room while she had the chance. Talking to Clare was like having a conversation with a mix of her parents.

“You’re kind and all,” Clare continued. “But he slept with everyone the year you were together. I mean it. Like, he slept with the whole H.S.P.C. Headquarters.” Clare waved her arm around like Nova didn’t know where they lived. Some days conversing with Archer’s wife was exhausting.

“Yes, I know. Thanks for the recap.” Nova rubbed her forehead. Getting back with Troy was a dreadful idea. He only wanted her because her brother was Archer Davis, the son of the famous Gears. Archer and Clare were a power couple in the H.S.P.C. and Troy had used her to get closer to the family. Besides, she had Sky. Troy had never accepted that she’d fallen in love with her patient upon first sight.

But that was neither here nor there, and Clare still hadn’t gone on to her bedroom. The realization that they stood in the middle of the living room, struck Nova. At two in the morning, no less.

“Why are you up? I assumed you’d be in the central lab, either that or sleeping.” Clare was a slave to finding a cure for Snow Flu, so it wasn’t strange to see her up at this hour. But since getting pregnant, she had an established schedule.

“I was looking for you. I tried your room earlier, but I didn’t hear you and you locked the door. I thought maybe you’d taken your sleeping drug.”

That was typical of Nova. She took her sleeping drug right before she got violent or manic. Right now, she should take the medication and lock herself in her room, not chat with Clare. The overwhelming emotions shimmered directly under the surface of her calm façade.

Her eyes scanned Clare, maybe Sky needed more of Nova’s blood.

“That’s where I’m going, but,” Nova spun around and started for her room. “If you need me for Sky, I’ll be there.”

“No wait.” Clare’s words stopped her. “Have you seen Sky?”

Nova gulped down panic.

“I checked on him two days ago.” Her eyes flipped to the glass that separated the observation room from the rest of the apartment. Through the thick protective glass, she could see her sleeping patient. Part of the reflection revealed her blood-red eyes. “I thought you were with him. I went to my room after the fight with dad.”

“I was with him.” Clare’s voice dropped to a husky whisper.

As Nova pressed closer to the glass, her eyes widened. Sky’s hair was white. None of his dark locks remained. Anger at herself shot through her blood. This wasn’t phantom fury, as her family loved to call it.

She had chosen to lock herself in her room since throwing a chair at her father was unacceptable. She’d had no choice but to sequester herself, but Nova regretted every moment away from Sky. In the time of her severe mental breakdown, her favorite person had gotten sicker. What would’ve happened if he died alone? She’d never recover.

Spinning away from the window, she pinned Clare with a sharp glare.

“What happened to him?”

“He’s getting worse.” Tears filled Clare’s eyes.

Crap-olla, she made a pregnant woman cry. Nova dropped her eyes to the floor. She might be nuts, but she wasn’t mean spirited. After she crossed the room, Nova awkwardly patted her sister-in-law like she’d seen Gears do to weeping women. If her brother were here, Archer would give her an earful for upsetting his match. Good thing she hadn’t seen him in a while.

“It’s okay. You’re a brilliant scientist and doctor just like my dad. You’re a true healer like my mom. You’ll save Sky. I know you will.” Pat, pat, pat. Clare had to save him. Sky was Nova’s whole world.

“I can’t.” She cried and buried her beautiful face into her hand. “And I made it worse. “

“How?” Sky never became more ill. He had plateaued. Clare might be over-reacting. Pregnancy hormones most-likely got the better of her.

“A few weeks ago, I heard of someone who survived Snow Flu. No one has ever gotten sick then survived.”

“Yeah, and…” Nova already knew that. Where was this going?

“Anyway, I thought the blood might be the missing piece of what I’m looking for.” More tears made a path down her pale cheeks. “I figured if I could see how someone’s body fought Snow Flu, then that blood might hold the answers I need.” Clare sniffled. “I’m so close. Your blood is amazing, but your gift doesn’t allow you to catch Snow Flu. That’s not the same as having the illness than surviving. You see how it’s different.”

“And?” Nova stopped herself from asking how this all made Sky worse.

“And I asked Archer to go into the Northern Earth Dens to bring me some of this survivor’s blood. I thought the job would be simple. Find the person who survived, ask for a sample.”

“Why didn’t you send someone from the task force, a fully trained agent?” Nova felt more trepidation as this story developed. “Why did you ask your husband?”

“I couldn’t ask an agent because Doctor Gears is the boss and he said this was hearsay.” Clare wouldn’t look Nova in the eye. “I didn’t have enough proof to send anyone into that part of the underground area. He said going was too dangerous for agents, especially without having a real reason. He made sure no one would go. He thought I might go behind his back.”

“You did go behind his back.” Nova squeaked. “You sent your poor husband off on a mission that might not even be successful.”

“I sent Archer. He didn’t come back.” Clare swallowed hard. Tears splashed on her wringing hands. “See, I made it worse.”

Yeah, this totally sounded worse.

“Dad was right. You shouldn’t have sent anyone in the first place!” Nova took a deep breath and tried with all her might not to holler. She reminded herself for the second time not to make a pregnant woman cry.

“I sent my brother Dan after Archer when I got concerned.” Clare wound her hands into her lab coat. “Dan contacted me. He said he tracked Archer down. He went to get him, but his CC broke, so he needs a new one.”

“What’s a CC?” Nova had a surge of curiosity. Part of her inquisitiveness made her an excellent research assistant, but part of that also got her sucked into whatever Clare was doing. 

“CC is my new invention. I made the gadget for Archer. CC is a mini-computer that has all my intelligence inside of it. The device can put together everything I can put together. The computer can track people, and give other information. Archer calls it his Clare Computer or CC. The name stuck.”

If Nova tried to keep up with everything Clare invented, she’d go crazy. Well, she would go crazier.

“So, Dan found my missing brother? And now he needs a CC?” Nova felt panic gather in her gut. She didn’t need an emotional breakdown, she needed to listen. Gulping air, she desperately tried to stay centered. What should she do?

“I need help.” Clare wailed. “And I don’t have anyone. Archer is gone. I sent Dan after him and now Dan needs CC. There is nothing left I can do to—” Clare stopped crying abruptly. The switch from tears to a predatory smile was so sharp that the action reminded Nova of her bad days. Clare eyed her like candy. “You could help me Nova. You’re my only hope.”

Nova took a hasty step away from the other women. She was familiar with Clare’s devious I-have-a-plan look. True, sometimes that expression led to amazing things Clare and her father would create, but at this moment, Nova didn’t trust it. Especially, with words like “only hope” thrown in.

“I’m your only hope? That’s unfortunate.”

“You’re kind and helpful. You’d help me.” That sentence was a little too final.

“I’m also manic with spurts of rage and severe clinical depression.” Best to remind her sister-in-law who she was.

“That probably just a side effect of your gift.” Clare shrugged like Nova’s brand of crazy didn’t merit her genius. “You can deliver CC. Bring CC to Dan for Archer. It’s all to help Sky. You want to help Sky, don’t you? Come with me and we can just talk.” Clare headed to the door.

“I don’t know, Clare.” Talk? Somehow, she doubted they would just talk.

“Come with me to the lab for a minute.” Clare produced a tissue out of the pocket of her lab coat and nosily blew her nose. Nova felt unease trickle from head to toe. A part of her warned she would get in way over her head.

“There is no way to peace. Peace is the way—” She whispered to herself to calm her nerves.

“Nova.” Clare cut off Nova’s hushed whispers.

“What? Can’t you see I’m trying to find some inner peace?”

“Don’t waste our time. You don’t have any. Now, will you help me?”

“This is the kind of crap that happens to me.” Nova glanced once more at Sky. Only when she viewed him did she feel a tiny bit tranquil.

“Come on.” Clare raised one perfectly sculpted eyebrow over her puffy eyes.

Nova paused while she kept considering if this was a good idea. She needed to sleep. This wasn’t good decision-making time, but curiosity took this moment to rear its head. She followed Clare out the door.

C.M. Moore was raised with a combination of military and Catholic values. He didn’t do a lot of writing as a kid. He did, however, master the art of sarcastic guilt trips.

After grumbling and whining his way through the “hardest” part of his life (high school), he joined the Army. The grumbling and whining stopped immediately. Uncle Sam was not accepting of those antics, and instead, the military nurtured his core values and solidified the sarcastic traits. He also had to write reports, which were not allowed to be sarcastic.

Connor served his country on three separate tours. His first tour was like a six-month spring break in England. Easy duties requiring minor brain synopsis; his kind of work. His following tour to Iraq tested his metal, and proved to his wife, who had previously served overseas, that he could survive it too. His third and final tour to Afghanistan rocked his world. In Afghanistan, Connor was tasked to a Route Clearance Platoon, where he cleared routes of roadside bombs. The job was pure boredom interjected with moments of sheer terror. Connor is attributed with five finds, and nine strikes to his vehicle over a one year period. He finished his tour and came home with several new medals upon his chest. A Purple Heart being one of them.

Connor has several injuries which limit his mobility and his career options. He has a Traumatic Brain Injury and other physical issues. He now volunteers with veteran organizations and helps with a small bookstore his wife and he built. After Connor had returned to civilian life, he took a few writing courses which inspired him to put pen to paper. He’s not sure why that metaphor is still in use when everything is done on the computer. Connor believes it should be, give your fingers hours of cramped exhaustion.

Years of watching his wife devour romances caused him to want to write a book she would want to read. With the support of family and friends, Connor began writing his first book with his wife, Monica. There were many, many copies that ended up under his bed until now.

The final draft of his romance 1:05 a.m. follows an assassin trying to get out of the game, and a base security officer who is looking for the same peace of mind. This book is a sexy love story in a world covered in ice and snow. His home in Minnesota gives him plenty of inspiration.

When Connor can step away from his finger exercise on the keyboard. He is a stay at home husband and father. He helps his two daughters with their homework (yet he distinctly remembers graduating from homework) and aids his wife with their bookstore. He also enjoys hunting and fishing near his home in central Minnesota, and his hobbies are building projects and growing a white trashy beard.

If you wish to contact him, he loves to talk to his fans. Send him a message at [email protected].

Three minds. One heart.
 
In the harsh reality of the post-apocalyptic frozen tundra, Raiden fights his growing attraction for Ashley Winsor and her handsome shadow, Stone.
 
Moving closer to separation the threesome navigate a world filled with angry harvesters, subterranean trains, and hungry polar bears. Through this steamy dystopian trek, Raiden discovers that these two people may be the only thing he loves on this ice bound Earth.
 
Once they arrive at headquarters a decision will be made… Is Raiden the man who will destroy their fragile relationship, or is he the harvester Ash and Stone need to love?

Excerpt from RAIDEN OUT THE STORM © C.M.Moore ​

C.M. Moore was raised with a combination of military and Catholic values. He didn’t do a lot of writing as a kid. He did, however, master the art of sarcastic guilt trips.

After grumbling and whining his way through the “hardest” part of his life (high school), he joined the Army. The grumbling and whining stopped immediately. Uncle Sam was not accepting of those antics, and instead, the military nurtured his core values and solidified the sarcastic traits. He also had to write reports, which were not allowed to be sarcastic.

Connor served his country on three separate tours. His first tour was like a six-month spring break in England. Easy duties requiring minor brain synopsis; his kind of work. His following tour to Iraq tested his metal, and proved to his wife, who had previously served overseas, that he could survive it too. His third and final tour to Afghanistan rocked his world. In Afghanistan, Connor was tasked to a Route Clearance Platoon, where he cleared routes of roadside bombs. The job was pure boredom interjected with moments of sheer terror. Connor is attributed with five finds, and nine strikes to his vehicle over a one year period. He finished his tour and came home with several new medals upon his chest. A Purple Heart being one of them.

Connor has several injuries which limit his mobility and his career options. He has a Traumatic Brain Injury and other physical issues. He now volunteers with veteran organizations and helps with a small bookstore his wife and he built. After Connor had returned to civilian life, he took a few writing courses which inspired him to put pen to paper. He’s not sure why that metaphor is still in use when everything is done on the computer. Connor believes it should be, give your fingers hours of cramped exhaustion.

Years of watching his wife devour romances caused him to want to write a book she would want to read. With the support of family and friends, Connor began writing his first book with his wife, Monica. There were many, many copies that ended up under his bed until now.

The final draft of his romance 1:05 a.m. follows an assassin trying to get out of the game, and a base security officer who is looking for the same peace of mind. This book is a sexy love story in a world covered in ice and snow. His home in Minnesota gives him plenty of inspiration.

When Connor can step away from his finger exercise on the keyboard. He is a stay at home husband and father. He helps his two daughters with their homework (yet he distinctly remembers graduating from homework) and aids his wife with their bookstore. He also enjoys hunting and fishing near his home in central Minnesota, and his hobbies are building projects and growing a white trashy beard.

If you wish to contact him, he loves to talk to his fans. Send him a message at [email protected].

The Heirs & Spares (Book Two)

Patricia A. Knight

We can expect at least one more book from the series being as Ned's story (the youngest brother) won't be left out. I'm excited to read it on its release!

Strong women in a Regency Romance? The hell you say! But, yes please! 

Florence is an unconventional widow living in a man's world with a head for business but no backing to expand into an opportunity overseas, becoming stuck in mediocrity. Ahhhh... a socialite's life problems. 

Duncan figures he's a military man for life, until a family scandal reveals him as the heir to the Everleigh estate.

These two destined to be together meet when Florence feints into the arms of Duncan due to the injuries of his military companion. Duncan is immediately disgusted by the delicate waif. 

And so the enemies to lovers begin! 

If you are like me, and are captivated by learning new words and want to know the meaning of Regency slang and terms, bring your old dictionary and be prepared to learn! Or at least flip to the back of the book to the index. I'd buy the print specifically for this because I went back and forth, giddy at the latest insults I can fling at the Renaissance Faire (trust me, only the carnies that work there will know the History of these words).

However, if you are not a word sleuth never fear! Patricia's style of writing makes it easy to go with the flow. You will not need a dictionary because you will understand the meaning by her word placement. 

Like the first book, this is another well researched masterpiece. 

Charming, true to the Regency times and it's different type of lifestyle. Women had different problems then.

Strong characters carry this love story with laughter, tears and a happy ending! Be prepared for a ride that keeps you wanting more.    

Regency Romance

Historical Romance

​Sweet Romance
*there is one short sex scene that is not all that explicit

“Oh! Are you a spy?” Vivid blue eyes met his, and the slight woman in his arms shifted. “I am quite recovered. Please put me down.”

Duncan set his burden on her feet and stepped back to put the length of an arm between them. “Captain Duncan Everleigh, 12th Light Dragoons,” he said in a clipped voice.

“Lady Florence Lloyd-Smith.” The dark-headed beauty dipped into a slight curtsy. “So…are you a spy?” She studied him with open, lively curiosity as the men resumed their brisk walk down the manor’s carriageway—and she trotted beside them to keep up.

He frowned. “I would be a very poor one should I confess it.”

She gave a moue of disappointment. “Pity. Except for Lord Miles, who belongs to Eleanor, every gentleman I know is commonplace. Had you been a spy, it should have injected a moment of intrigue into my ordinary life, and I might have been tempted to further your acquaintance, perhaps so far as to allow you to call upon me in London.” Her voice became breathless and forced. “It should have enlivened the daily routine.” Her audible breathing came in rapid pants.

At his side, his half-brother laughed softly and offered a mild reproach. “I beg pardon, Lady Florence, but with all due respect, might I observe that the life you declare commonplace others would deem adventuresome in the extreme.”

“Fiddlesticks…I—”

Their conversation went uncomprehended. Her astoundingly arrogant assertion that she might “allow him” to call upon her, staggered him such that he might as well have been deaf to any further dialogue.

“You might have been tempted to further my acquaintance!” Duncan broke in with a loud snort and walked a little faster. By God, who did she think she was to infer he couldn’t fix her interest—if he chose to. Women routinely made themselves nuisances over him. He had to drive them away. He could hold her attentions—if he cared to. He didn’t. At the moment he had two priorities—Major Leeland Abernathy and the War Office. “But should I have welcomed yours? If you routinely engage in fainting spells in the midst of a carriageway, drawing attention away from a man who lies in sore need of medical care, you must be a vexatious and cumbersome female. Such hen-witted behavior would put off even the most sympathetic host or hostess and cannot be a character recommendation to any gentleman.” Duncan received an annoyed sideways glance as she picked up her skirts higher and increased her trot to almost a run as she scurried to keep up with the long, brisk strides of the gentlemen.

“My actions today were an exception. I am not the fainting type, which you would know if you knew anything about me, at all…which you don’t. Such quick, ill-informed judgment of another’s nature does not reflect well on yours, sir.” She inhaled in large draws to catch her breath as Duncan quickened his step yet again. “Regardless, I will make allowances for your rude behavior as you are probably distressed for your friend. Now…” She paused her speech for several gasping breaths as she exerted herself to keep up. “You side-stepped my question. Are you a spy?”

Well…he wasn’t about to address that subject with her. Duncan caught the attention of Miles, not hard to do as his brother observed the hostile exchange of words between Lady Florence and him with lively interest and an expression that suggested their discourse provided him high entertainment. “Is there someone who can go for a surgeon?”

“Yes, I’ll send a rider straightaway.”

He and Miles, with the bent over and gasping, but mercifully silent, Lady Florence Lloyd-Smith—there was a God in heaven—reached the forecourt of the manor house. A party of laborers and the property steward, a man introduced to Duncan as Mr. Welborn, greeted them. Lord Miles issued a number of quiet, concise orders and shortly a rider left at a gallop to fetch the surgeon while four men trotted down the carriageway with a door taken from the carriage house. A groom took the reins of Major Abernathy’s grey and his bay from Lord Miles and led the two horses to the stables.

Duncan clasped his half-brother on the shoulder. “Thank you. I greatly appreciate the calm dispatch with which you have dealt with what must be an upsetting development. It cannot be every day a man lies bleeding in the middle of your drive.”

Lord Miles shrugged off his thanks with a half-smile. “Add the unforeseen appearance of a brother I had feared dead and some unanticipated news my wife imparted to me earlier this morning,” he smiled broadly, “I’m to be a father... and yes, I’ll confess this day has been…out of the ordinary way.” Miles shook his head as if to clear his thoughts. “We will do our best for Major Abernathy… My memory didn’t deceive me, that is Major Leeland Abernathy?”
Duncan nodded. “Yes. It is important that I get to the War Office as soon as may be possible, but I don’t wish to leave Leeland until I know he is out of harm’s way. Oh, and all felicitations, on your good news.” Duncan smiled. “It really is good to see you, Miles.”

“Ah… thank you… I think between the Dowager Duchess, Lady Miles and Dr. Hickum—he’s the surgeon—Major Abernathy will have as good a chance as any man at a full recovery.”

Duncan opened his mouth to thank his half-brother yet again, but he was forestalled by a haughty female sniff.

“Though no one has inquired, my person is much recovered. I must change my gown. I fear it is badly soiled. After which, I am going to the dining room to finish my coffee. If anyone needs me, though I can’t imagine why anyone should as Eleanor and Her Grace have things well in hand, I can be found there.” Lady Florence bestowed a winsome smile on Lord Miles. With a curt nod of the head at Duncan, she turned smartly, and, there was no other way to describe it, glided off, head held high, with a decided sway to her hips.
Lord Miles followed Lady Florence’s departure with a quizzical look. “I can’t imagine what…” He shook his head. “I’ve never seen Lady Florence in such ill-humor. She is normally most pleasantly disposed.”  

​In spite of his irritation with the woman, Duncan’s eyes were drawn to the curvaceous body undulating beneath the sheer white muslin garments Lady Florence wore, now blown by the wind into hugging every swell of generous breast, tiny waist, and round buttock, of shapely thigh and trimly turned calf. “I’ve been too long without female company if I’m attracted to that mettlesome bit,” he muttered and turned toward the carriage drive to observe the progress of the four men who now carried the major toward the manor house, accompanied by Her Grace and Miles’ wife.

Samejima and Sasahara are friends. They go to college together, they're in the same year, and they even work at the same place! But when Samejima confesses his feelings run deeper, their relationship explodes in passion... and irritation! Sasahara tries to ignore Samejima, and he tells him to wake up—he tries to accept him, and Samejima plays hard to get. It's enough to drive a man crazy, in more way than one!

When Samejima confesses his feelings for Sasahara, neither know how to proceed. Their attempts to figure out where the relationship falls ensues in hilarity. Charming & endearing, this slice-of-life comedy worms its way into your heart as the characters resolve their issues to come together.  

Samejima and Sasahara are literally the only main characters in this story. Their antics would drown any minor characters and the story does not need more than them. There are a few characters around them, but they play out in 2 minutes. Therefore, there are only two characters listed. 

While this isn't ANIME, I found an image/DVD homemade English translated video of this story. So it’s images of the manga, English subtitles and the Japanese audio track made in video format. Don’t know if that makes sense, but if you view the short film with no sound you’ll miss the delicate nuances that bring the story to life.

The art is not super refined but the artists expression is wonderful. Normally I love the art of anime or in this case, manga, but the story is what completes this gem.

The characters are endearing, real, insecure, flawed and beautiful. Even if you're sick to death of "coming of age" stories or "straight to gay" stories, you will not find this the regular fan-fare of either sub-genre. Samejima-Kun to Sasahara-Kun is how I imagine life of two men finding and resolving their sexual attraction to each other.

The whole story is told in short videos up to ten minutes long and there are ten videos.

​Save 90 minutes to watch the clips if you want to watch/read the entire thing. Otherwise, they make great chapters for a time limited break.

While some may disagree, I found this slice-of-life story to be fairly believable for the open mind. 

Gay Romance

Straight to Gay Romance

Straight to Gay Coming of Age

Gay College Romance

Sexually Exploratory Romance

Below is the first installment (7 minutes) of the story in the Drama CD & Manga booklet. From there you can watch the next videos. I have links to the retailer to buy the manga in English below the YouTube video.